Why should I floss my teeth? That's a question I hear daily and the answer is simple: Flossing is the best way to clean in between your teeth and help keep your gums healthy. Believe it or not the bristles of your tooth brush are just too big to fit in between your teeth. We recommend daily flossing in addition to brushing two times a day to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
To use manual (regular) floss, start by pulling out a section of floss about 18 inches long. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers on each hand leaving 1-2 inches free to work with between them. Using your index fingers to guide the floss, start in one area of the mouth and work your way around the arch then do the same with the opposite arch. Make sure you floss both sides of every tooth. It's very important to make a "C" shape round the tooth and use a gentle vertical stroke. Keep in mind the goal of flossing is to gently cleanse the area and not to harm or injure the gum tissue. Some bleeding may occur if you are just beginning to floss. Please don't be discouraged because this is only temporary and should stop after a few weeks of regular flossing.
If you have further questions about how to floss or what types of floss would be best for your mouth please ask us. You may also submit a question or comment.
Thanks,
Laura Melton, RDH, BS
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